Cry Before Dawn turned back the years with a fabulous display at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre on Saturday night. The acclaimed Wexford band from the 80s and 90s were in Kilkenny with a full array of their classic hits and even a glimpse of some new material. Brendan Wade as usual was front and centre with vocals, acoustic guitar, uilleann pipes, and whistle. To his left was Vince Doyle on bass guitar and making that unique Cry Before Dawn sound was Tony Hall on electric guitar. Brendan Carthy was on drums as Pat Hayes is currently unavailable and completing the arrangement was Terry Byrne on keyboard. The band has a loyal following throughout Ireland but particularly in the South East and this was proved with a packed arena in the unique setting of Ballykeeffe. Their set dipped between their now famous albums ‘Crimes of Conscience’ and ‘Witness for the World’ and to songs including, ‘Is This What You Waited For’, ‘Precious Land’ and ‘Silly Dreams’ which was recorded for the soundtrack for the Irish film ‘The Courier’. The music was intertwined with stories behind the songs and the band's past by Brendan Wade.

Support on the night was by up-and-coming Waterford artist Tadhg Williams. The singer-songwriter has been busy this year with shows in his hometown and in Dublin. He also reported he has been in the recording studio as of late and there's an LP on the way.

It was also a poignant performance as the Legendary Wexford band brought the 2023 series of gigs at Kilkenny’s Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre to a powerful close. On behalf of Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre Martin Bridgeman said, “Performers and audiences alike were again impressed with this truly unique venue. The weather gods smiled down and provided the breathtaking backdrop to a wide range of entertainment.”